mjf2025 is taking place from Friday 16 May – Sunday 25 May with events across Aviva Studios, Band on the Wall, First Street, Flawd Wine Bar, Forsyth Music Shop, Low Four Studios, Matt & Phreds, RNCM, St Ann’s Church, The Carlton Club, The Stoller Hall and Stage and Radio.
mjf volunteers play a crucial and valued role during the festival, often as first point of contact for artists and audiences.
APPLY HERE
Volunteer roles for mjf2025:
Artist Liaison (16th – 18th May)
- Be the main point of contract between artists and stage managers on your stage
- Ensure green rooms are secure, adequately stocked with refreshments and kept tidy
- Keep track of performance times, sound checks, and ensuring artists keep to the festival timetable
- Help to gather artist monitoring information and PRS data
Merchandise Assistants (16th – 25th May)
- Receive and manage artists and festival merchandise stock, including CDs, T-shirts, and other items
- Use PDQ machines (training provided) to sell merchandise to the public from the festival merchandise stand
- Act as a knowledgeable source of information about the festival and the artists performing
- Ensure that festival branding and all merchandise is set up before the event and packed away after the event
Stage Managers (16th – 18th May)
- Work closely with the artist liaison teams to assist artists on and off stage
- Ensure that the artist’s soundchecks and performances run according to the schedule
- Assist sound technicians and artists with their stage set up and pack down if required
- Ensure that your stage remains secure, clean and tidy with support from the security team and Production Manager
Festival Crew (14th – 18th May)
- Assist mjf staff and technical crew in the set-up, de-rig and smooth running of mjf2025
- Help to set up and install signage, festival branding and site infrastructure (gazebos, tables, chairs etc)
- Help artists with unloading/loading of equipment and stage changeovers (heavy lifting may be required)
Festival Representatives (16th – 25th May)
- Welcome the public to mjf and be the friendly face of the festival
- Answer any audience questions, provide insights into the festival and help attendees navigate around
- Encourage attendees to fill out questionnaires to help gather information that can inform future festivals
- Ensure festival and audience areas are kept clear, tidy, and well-maintained throughout the event
Event Assistant (14th – 25th May)
- Work closely with mjf staff to support the smooth running of the festival
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of event materials, schedules, and merchandise
- Ensure that the Event Office is kept clean, tidy and its resources are well stocked
Photographers & Videographers (16th – 25th May)
- To capture images and videos of the live music, audience, atmosphere and branding of the event and festival
- Work from a brief provided by the marketing team to accommodate the festival’s visual style and requirements
Social Media Content Creator (16th – 25th May)
- Capturing footage of the live music, audience and atmosphere of the event, specifically for our social media (posts, stories, reels etc.)
- Creating live twitter/X update posts to record the happenings at the festival
- Working within the mjf brand guidelines (training and support will be provided by our Digital Creative Content Maker & Distributor)
Please be aware that roles may vary slightly based on the venues and gigs you’re assigned
What mjf offers volunteers
If you do volunteer for mjf2025, mjf will:
- give you your very own limited edition mjf t-shirt
- provide you with one meal per shift (value dependent on venue)
- pay travel expenses up to £6 per day (upon provision of a receipt)
Hours
Hours may vary dependent on the role but are generally in line with programme timings.
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a volunteer handbook and be invited to an online briefing, along with a site visit prior to the festival (exact dates to be confirmed).
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS THE MONDAY 7th APRIL
APPLY HERE
If you have any queries, please email Mary Allen, Operations and Festival Administrator – volunteer@manchesterjazz.com
Last Year’s Volunteers
Here’s what the mjf2024 volunteers had to say about their festival experience, and a snapshot of them in action!
“mjf is one of a kind. I love Jazz and the people.”
“Overall I was just blown away by how positive, friendly and kind everyone was.”
“The funnest experience I’ve had working in a festival team.”
“It was great to be part of a team who shared similar values and their love for jazz shined through. Thank you for being such a welcoming and friendly team to be a part of as my first year, I can’t wait to volunteer in the future.”
